Gestalt Language Processing
Did you know that children learn language in different ways?
There are two styles of language acquisition known as analytic and gestalt, and it's helpful for parents to understand which style their child is using to process language. Understanding this can guide parents in supporting their child's growing language skills and determining if they might benefit from speech therapy.
Analytic language processing involves learning single words first, then progressing to combining words together until they begin building their own original phrases and sentences. On the other hand, Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) begins with the child imitating phrases they have heard in their environment. This may include phrases they have heard caregivers say, songs they have heard, or catchphrases from their favorite television show. These children are "intonation babies" - they will sing to themselves frequently, or focus more on the intonation of sentences they have heard, and the words may not be clear, or sound like 'jargon' or 'gibberish.' As language development progresses, Gestalt Language Processors will eventually break down these memorized phrases as they begin to learn the meaning of the individual words.
If your child appears to be developing language through Gestalt Language Processing or an analytic style, it's important to understand their unique approach to language learning. Recognizing echolalia, whether immediate or delayed, can provide insights into how your child is processing language. By helping your child break down echolalic phrases and understand individual word meanings, you can support their development of functional language skills.
If you have concerns about your child's language development, consider seeking an evaluation by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). An SLP can assess your child's expressive and receptive language skills and provide recommendations for therapy if needed. If you'd like to learn more or discuss your child's specific needs, please don't hesitate to reach out to us!
